The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

POLITICAL newcomer Renardo Curry, the PLP's candidate for North Abaco, credited the message of "people first, party second", for his close race with outgoing Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham.

According to the unofficial count, Mr Curry lost the North Abaco seat to Mr Ingraham by less than 400 votes.

However, in an unexpected twist, Mr Ingraham conceded defeat to the PLP on the national level and resigned as leader of the FNM and Member of Parliament for North Abaco - a constituency he represented for more than 30 years.

Mr Ingraham's resignation will cause a by-election should the FNM or DNA decide to run candidates and fight for the seat.

Sonith Lockhart, the DNA's candidate, secured 42 votes.

Mr Curry said while he is more than confident he would win the seat, he hopes "it doesn't have to come to that".

"I know can win the seat if I had to do the election all over again. If they try to contest the seat, I do not know how beneficial it would be to them.

"The PLP is now the government and if the FNM and the DNA are truly thinking about the people, they know it would be more beneficial to have North Abaco be apart of the winning team. It just makes common sense," he said.

"It costs a lot of money to fund a campaign and I really don't see the DNA running anyone.

"That is a major task to undergo again."

Responding to the news of the Mr Ingraham's resignation, Mr Curry thanked him for doing his part and said its time to "change the guard".

He said: "I give him credit for stepping down and giving someone an opportunity.

"He has done well for this constituency but it is time for a new face.

"Mr Ingraham is accustomed to being in control and having the power, he cannot contribute on a lower level.

"He stepped down to make way for a new generation - the generation that will make a better Bahamas."

Mr Curry said while some Abaconians are disappointed at Mr Ingraham's decision, the majority understand why he did what they did and are looking forward to new representation under the Progressive Liberal Party.

There has been no word from either the FNM or the PLP regarding a by-election in North Abaco.